NYS Department of Labor - what happens after 6 months of unemployment benefits?
I've been collecting unemployment for almost 6 months now and I'm starting to worry about what comes next. My claim shows I have about 2 weeks left of benefits. Does NYS Department of Labor automatically extend benefits or do I need to apply for something else? I've been doing my job searches and filing my weekly claims but nobody has explained what happens when my benefit year runs out. Is there a gap where I won't get paid? Really stressed about this because I still haven't found anything and my savings are gone.
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Yara Nassar
In New York, regular unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks. After your benefit year ends, you may be eligible for a new claim if you've worked enough during your benefit year or you might qualify for extended benefits if the unemployment rate triggers them. You should file a new claim about a week before your current one expires. Don't wait until the last day or you might have a gap in payments.
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QuantumQuester
•Do I file the new claim online through my.ny.gov or do I need to call? And what if I haven't worked at all during this benefit year?
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Keisha Williams
same thing happened to me last year, you basically have to start over with a whole new application if you didnt work enough. its a pain but at least the system remembers most of your info
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Paolo Ricci
•Actually that's not entirely accurate. If you haven't earned enough wages during your benefit year to establish a new claim, NYS Department of Labor will automatically file an extension on your existing claim if extended benefits are available. You don't always have to start completely over.
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Amina Toure
I'm in the same boat and I've been trying to call NYS Department of Labor for weeks to ask about this but can never get through! The hold times are insane and then they just hang up on you. This is so frustrating when you're trying to plan your finances.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•I had the same problem reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I was able to get my questions answered about benefit extensions within a couple days instead of spending weeks trying to call myself.
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Amina Toure
•That sounds too good to be true but at this point I'm desperate. How much does it cost?
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Oliver Zimmermann
•I'd rather pay something reasonable than keep missing work trying to call NYS Department of Labor every day. The peace of mind was worth it for me.
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CosmicCommander
The whole system is designed to wear you down and make you give up. After 6 months they basically want you to disappear. I've been through this before and they make it as difficult as possible to continue benefits even when you're legally entitled to them.
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Yara Nassar
•While the system can definitely be frustrating, there are legitimate processes in place for benefit extensions. The key is understanding the requirements and filing at the right time. Don't let frustration prevent you from getting benefits you're entitled to.
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Natasha Volkova
wait I thought unemployment was only 4 months in NY? or is that something else
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Paolo Ricci
•No, regular unemployment insurance in New York is up to 26 weeks, which is about 6 months. You might be thinking of a different program or a different state.
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Vera Visnjic
I went through this exact situation last year and here's what I learned: NYS Department of Labor will send you a notice about 3-4 weeks before your benefit year ends explaining your options. If you haven't worked enough to qualify for a new claim, they'll automatically check if extended benefits are available based on the state's unemployment rate. If extended benefits aren't triggered, you might still be eligible for other programs like Trade Adjustment Assistance if your job loss was trade-related. The most important thing is to keep filing your weekly claims even if there's uncertainty - don't stop until you get official word that your benefits have ended. Also, make sure your contact info is updated in the system so you don't miss any important notices.
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Luca Russo
•This is really helpful information! I'm curious about the Trade Adjustment Assistance program you mentioned - how do you find out if your job loss qualifies as trade-related? Is that something you have to apply for separately or does NYS Department of Labor automatically check for that when your regular benefits are ending?
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Tasia Synder
I'm going through the same thing right now - about 3 weeks left on my benefits and getting really anxious about what comes next. From what I've been able to piece together from the NYS DOL website, you should get a notice in the mail explaining your options, but honestly their communication isn't always clear or timely. I've been keeping detailed records of all my job search activities just in case I need to prove I've been actively looking. One thing that's helped me is setting up an appointment at my local American Job Center (you can find locations on careeronestop.org) - they have counselors who can walk you through the different programs and extensions you might qualify for. They also help with resume review and job search strategies which has been useful since I've been out of work for so long. It's free and way less stressful than trying to navigate the system on your own.
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Paige Cantoni
•That's great advice about the American Job Center! I didn't even know those existed. I've been struggling on my own for months and it would be really helpful to have someone walk me through all the options face-to-face. Do you know if they can also help with understanding the timing of when to file for extensions? I'm still confused about whether I should wait for that notice in the mail or be proactive about it.
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